Winterize a Rental for a Cozy, Efficient Season Indoors

If you think you can skip winterizing your house or apartment just because you rent, think again. Your rental can have just as many energy-wasting leaks as any other home, and sealing it up for winter just makes sense.

Windows typically need the most attention, so check every window frame for leaks. Caulking is your first line of defense, and if you aren’t able to apply caulk on the outside, use painter’s caulking along the inside trim and frame. Another option is peelable caulk, a temporary caulking product that can be applied and removed at will.

For extra insulation around windows and sliding glass doors, heavy drapes can be a help. Leave them open during the day so that the sun’s warmth shines in, then close them at sundown to keep that warmth indoors. You can also buy window shrink film at most home improvement stores. It’s a see-through treatment that creates a static layer of air between your room and the glass, insulating the glass to keep it from conducting the outside temperature.

Another source of drafts is any switch plate or outlet along your rental’s exterior walls. The fix is simple: just install a pre-cut foam gasket under the cover. Foam gaskets cost just pennies and can be found in sizes to suit any outlet or switch, and larger gaps can be sealed with expandable foam.

Take a little time now to tackle easy improvements that will make your rental cozier and more efficient this winter.